Constructive conflict in China : cooperative conflict as a bridge between east and west
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Journal of World Business
Publication Date
Summer 1-1-2001
Volume
36
Issue
2
First Page
166
Last Page
183
Abstract
The Chinese value of harmony is often considered literally as the need to avoid conflict. Recent experiments have shown that Chinese people can value and use conflict to explore issues, make effective decisions, and strengthen relationships when they communicate that they want to manage the conflict for mutual benefit rather than win at the other's expense. Field studies document that cooperative conflict dynamics contribute to effective teamwork, quality service, and leadership in China. Chinese managers and employees are able to use participation and other management innovations to become partners in discussing issues and solving problems. Although more research is needed, the Chinese and their international partners appear to be able to use cooperative conflict to discuss their differences open-mindedly and forge productive, market-oriented organizations.
DOI
10.1016/S1090-9516(01)00051-7
Print ISSN
10909516
E-ISSN
18785573
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2001 Elsevier Science Inc
Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Tjosvold, D., Hui, C., & Law, K. S. (2001). Constructive conflict in China: Cooperative conflict as a bridge between east and west. Journal of World Business, 36(2), 166-183. doi: 10.1016/S1090-9516(01)00051-7